The Chicago Traveler

July 25th, 2008

Friday Film: Save the Last Dance

Many films that appeal to the young-adult audience are full of clichés and what I call “after-school-special” romanticisms. While Save the Last Dance is not an incredible film, it does present characters that are a little closer to reality than the stereotypes too many movies rely upon.

Save the Last Dance (2001)

Directed by:
Thomas Carter

Produced by:
Robert W. […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

June 20th, 2008

Friday Film: Roll Bounce

One of the things that I never quite got the hang of was skating, in any form. One of my first experiences was actually at a roller rink not too far from where I live now. Some of you locals may remember the Rainbo, which had a long history in entertainment. (It’s since been torn […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

May 30th, 2008

Friday Film: High Fidelity

Earlier today, I mentioned that Hollywood has come to Chicago to film a new movie near the Biograph. This historic theatre, along with several other Chicago landmarks, also appears in the 2000 film High Fidelity.

High Fidelity (2000)

Directed by:
Stephen Frears

Produced by:
Tim Bevan
Rudd Simmons

Starring:
John Cusack
Iben Hjejle
Todd Louiso
Jack Black
Lisa Bonet
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Joan Cusack
Tim Robbins

Distributed by:
Touchstone Pictures

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The movie, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

April 18th, 2008

Friday Film: Wicker Park

There are hundreds of named neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. (PDF map) Due to gentrification, immigration, and even personal opinion, their borders often aren’t clear. Neighborhoods are rarely specifically-defined areas but rather are general areas. One of those neighborhoods was the namesake for a 2004 film, Wicker Park.

Wicker Park (2004)

Directed by:
Paul McGuigan

Produced by:
Andre Lamal
Gary […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

January 25th, 2008

Friday Film: Pretty in Pink

The ‘80s blessed us with so many wonderful things: huge shoulder pads, the DeLorean, and Molly Ringwald. Recently ranked #1 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Teen Stars, she and her Brat Pack crew embodied ‘80s adolescence in the U.S. in a number of teen-oriented films, including Pretty in Pink.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

Directed by:
Howard Deutch

Produced by:
Lauren Shuler

Starring:
Molly […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

January 4th, 2008

Friday Film: When Harry Met Sally…

Written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally… is a 1989 romantic comedy that follows Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) as they meet, depart, meet, depart, and meet again in New York City. This classic humorously examines the dynamics between men and women, and it is […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

December 28th, 2007

Friday Film: Continental Divide

John Belushi was well known for his work on Saturday Night Live, National Lampoon’s Animal House, and The Blues Brothers. However, he also had a much celebrated love for his hometown Chicago, and many of his sketches and films took place here, including the romantic comedy Continental Divide.

Continental Divide (1981)

Directed by:
Michael Apted

Produced by:
Robert E. Larson
Steven […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments